As part of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence declared by the Head of State, Kazakhstan is continuing the systematic modernization of public services and transfer of the most in-demand services to online format.

Kazakhstani citizens can now renew their driver’s license through the eGov.kz portal and the eGov Mobile application even after it has expired. Previously, the service was available online only if the document was still valid, as well as in cases of loss, theft, or a change of full name. The service has now been expanded to include cases where the validity period of the driving license has expired.

The new service applies to all the categories of driving licenses. When replacing a driving license after its expiration, a mandatory medical examination is required to confirm eligibility to operate a motor vehicle.

For applicants who have completed the medical examination, the required data will be automatically uploaded from government information systems upon submission of the application. At the same time, if a user renews their driving license in advance (prior to expiration date), a medical examination is not required. Service delivery term is 60 minutes.

To use the service on the eGov.kz portal, the user needs to:

• log in to the eGov.kz portal and navigate to “For Citizenry” – “Transportation and Communication” – “Automobile Transport”;
• select the "Obtainment of driving license" service;
• specify the CSC where the completed document will be collected and upload a photograph (see the requirements to photo);
• upload a sample signature and provide a contact phone number;
• make a payment of the state fee (1.25 MCI). In the case of a re-submission, the ‘Previously Paid’ option can be used;
• sign an application using one of the available signing methods.

To use the service in the eGov Mobile application, the user needs to:

• log in to eGov Mobile and go to the section "eGov Public Services" – "Driving and transport";
• select the "Obtainment of driving license" service;
• read the photo requirements and upload the file;
• upload/write a signature sample and click "Save";
• next, specify the CSC department for collecting the completed document and click "Continue".
• make a payment of the state fee (1.25 MCI). In the case of a re-submission, the ‘Previously Paid’ option can be used;
• sign an application using one of the available signing methods.

The service delivery result will be displayed in the "Notifications" section of the personal account on the eGov.kz portal and in the "Messages" – "Personal Account History" section of the eGov Mobile app. Once ready, the document can be obtained at the chosen CSC upon presentation of a valid identity document.

"It is planned that, in the near future, the replacement of driving licenses will gradually move to an entirely online format. Starting from April of this year, priority will be given to electronic applications, allowing citizens to avoid in-person visits to CSCs and minimize queues. Given that the service has been available online for a long time and is in high demand, this move represents a logical step in the digitalization process”, stated Rostislav Konyashkin, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

It is important to note that when uploading a photograph, the established requirements must be observed. The uploaded image must comply with the prescribed format, resolution, and quality standards. The full list of requirements can be found in the service datasheet on the eGov.kz portal.

Applicants also have the option to use a photograph from a previously issued identity document or passport. In such cases, the document used for the photograph must have been issued within the last three years. If more than three years have passed, the system will require the applicant to upload an up-to-date photo manually.

During the application process, it should be noted that in some cases, the user’s document data may not be digitized in the state information systems. In such cases, a corresponding notification will be displayed, and updating the data may require a personal visit to the CSC.

In addition, the system performs an automatic check for any outstanding debts. If a driver has any unpaid fines that have been outstanding for more than 30 days, it will not be possible to process a license replacement until they are fully paid.

It should be noted that since the launch of the online driving license service, it has been used over 60 000 times across all the scenarios.

The functionality was launched thanks to the cooperation of the Public Services Committee of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, National Information Technologies JSC and Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.